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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly finished after Australia announced a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C